By Faith Huang,
Exercising with allergies can be a challenge, but here are some tips on how you can incorporate your workout into your day.
- Know what triggers your allergies!
It’s helpful to see a board certified allergist to get complete and accurate testing to identify what exactly you are allergic to. For example, if it is a certain type of pollen, you can track the pollen levels in your local area. You can check pollen count updates that is part of Allergy and Asthma Associate of Southern California’s new App, or a web site such as that of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: https://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx
- Consider the time of day you exercise.
The pollen count is highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and again at dusk, so plan your workouts for other times of the day when pollen levels are lower.
It can also be helpful to rinse out your nose with saline to remove pollen. Some nose sprays will make it easier for you to exercise with high pollen levels. Ask your board certified allergist.
- Watch the weather!
If possible, try to avoid outdoor exercise on dry, warm, windy days, which can bring the highest pollen levels.
High humidity can cause problems, as well. If the air feels heavy, it can make breathing feel difficult. The humidity also contributes to mold growth, which can trigger symptoms in some people.
- Pick the right type of workout.
Start-and-stop activities like tennis are more likely to trigger asthma symptoms in some people than activities that don’t stop, like running. Swimming is usually excellent for building up your lungs. Biking also is good. Running in cold weather also may trigger symptoms. Those problems usually are caused by spasms in your airways.
However, with proper treatment, you should be able to do any sport or activity without a problem!
- Listen to your body.
If you’re taking medicine and you still feel tired after exercising outdoors or if it causes symptoms that you don’t like, you may want to stay indoors.
- Know your medication regimen.
You should discuss when to start taking allergy medications with your allergist. It is often helpful to start taking allergy medications weeks before the season that brings pollens you are allergic to. You do not need to wait until you have symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns, call (949) 364-2900 and schedule an appointment today with one of our doctors. You can also use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule a future date and time.
